Planned Giving

The Nordic Circle

Planned Giving and the Nordic Circle

The Nordic Legacy Circle recognizes supporters who have generously included the Nordic Museum in their estate plans. These planned gifts are essential to the future financial stability of the Museum, supporting the development of exhibits and programs and preserving a heritage that has shaped our community.

Nordic Legacy Circle members Curtis Jacobs and his beloved wife Shirley, who passed away in December 2010, joined the Museum in 1994, becoming involved in all activities of the Finn Room and volunteering at many events such as Viking Days and Yulefest.

The more time they spent at the Museum, the more they realized that they wanted to help ensure the future of the Museum. The Jacobs's wanted their estate to help support an organization that had provided so many years of friendship, reflection, and community involvement. An interest in genealogy was also a key factor in choosing to include the Museum in their estate plans. The Jacobs's felt strongly that there needed to be a place for the next generation to understand and appreciate where their ancestors came from and what they have accomplished.

"It is never too early to consider what you might want to do with your estate," said Curtis.

Considering a planned or deferred gift provides a way to leave a legacy while also ensuring the Museum's future success.

There are numerous tax-advantaged ways to support the Museum both now and in the future. One of the most common is a bequest, which may include cash, securities, and real estate or other property. The Museum also accepts retirement proceeds and life insurance, and is happy to work with you should you have other wishes. Planned gifts may be directed toward unrestricted use, the Endowment, or specific purposes such as the Capital Campaign, special exhibits, or programs. The exact form may be a bequest, a clause in a will, or perhaps a tax-free distribution from an IRA (for those 70 and one-half years or older).

Members of the Nordic Legacy Circle are recognized in the Annual Report and are invited to attend special events. Members may also choose to have their plans remain anonymous.

If you have already included the Museum in your estate plan, we thank you! Please notify us so that we may recognize you as a member of the Nordic Legacy Circle, and to start receiving benefits of that membership. For additional information about the Nordic Legacy Circle, its benefits, and how to make a planned gift to the Museum, contact Deputy Director of External Affairs Jan Woldseth Colbrese at 206.789.5707 x7039.